Brazilian giants Corinthians have announced they have accepted West Ham’s bid for Fabian Balbuena.
New West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has already made three summer signings since replacing David Moyes at the end of last season.
The Hammers are on the verge of signing former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere on a free transfer and are also in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a €30m deal for Ukranian winger Andriy Yarmolenko.
However, it has now emerged that West Ham are on the verge of completing a shock deal for Corinthians defender Balbuena.
“The board thanks the services provided and wishes him luck for the new journey,” Corinthians announced in a statement, via Sky Sports.
The Paraguay international has been a mainstay in the Corinthians defence for a number of years and is set to be rewarded with a high-profile move to Europe.
In the last three Brasileirao campaigns only Thiago Heleno (427) and Henrique (392) have made more clearances than Balbuena (389).
The 26-year-old’s arrival does not bode well for West Ham’s chance or retaining Declan Rice’s long-term services, as the highly rated centre-back still hasn’t agreed new terms.
